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See information provided by the Anchorage Outreach team at www.aoos.org

Surface Currents

HF Radar, Codar, ROMS Surface Currents

There are three types of ocean currents: surface currents; tides; and deep water currents. Surface currents drive circulation patterns in the ocean, and are created and controlled by wind. Wind patterns are dictated by the Coriolis Effect and the Earths’ spin. Winds set water in motion, making the current permanent or temporary. Surface currents range in speed, temperature, size, strength and depth, and can be as deep as 200 meters. The Alaska Coastal Current (link to picture) is a variable current, but exists year round. A large scale circular ocean current is called a gyre, and a small scale current is called an eddie. Currents moderate the earth’s temperature, and transport and release solar radiation. Currents actually make the poles are warmer due to warmer water that is transferred from the equator.

• Source: Currents-Surface Currents at http://science.jrank.org/pages/1910/Currents-Surface-currents.html
• Learn about Surface Current Measurements with HF Radar as described in the Prince William Sound Field Experiment pages.

Recent efforts

Two Codar sites were set up: Knowled Bay and Shelter Bay. The HF Radar team set up Hughes network dishes to transmit data. Similar equipment was set up in 2004 and 2007 by the HF Radar team to study Prince WilliamSound. When asked how the equipment worked, Dr. Hank Statscewich, a researcher from the University of Alaska Fairbanks involved in the project replied "[SCM stations] transmitradio waves, and the radio waves are reflected off the waves on the ocean. From that information we can calculate the exact (surface) current velocity and direction."

How does it work?

An SCM station transmits and receives radio waves that travel as far as 60 km across the Sound. As each radio wave reflects off the ocean and returns to the station, the changes in the wave's amplitude and frequency are entered into Doppler equations to determine wave direction and speed. Each SCM site generates clear information on the behavior of the currents in Prince William Sound.

Repair work can be uplifting

The equipment in Knowles Bay needed repair work during the middle of the Field Experiment. The waves were very difficult to cross for most vessels. Nancy Bird of the Prince William Sound Science Center arranged a lift for members of our team. Not only could we get in and make the repairs, but members of the US Coast Guard flight team enjoyed practicing landing in new areas. UAF staff Steve Smith and Dr. Hank Statscewich were transported via a USCG HH-60 Jayhawk Helicopter. Everyone is thankful.

Photos: Preparing satellite, Knowles Bay Codar, 'Off to repair' Dr. Hank Statscewich

Modeling & Forecasts

As ROMS Forecast data comes in AOOS runs a program to generate a series of images to support these two day forecasts. See previews of the data at Latest Data. See sample images: currents, temperature, salinity and sea surface height.

AOOS is affiliated with the Integrated Ocean Observing System and the
University of Alaska Fairbanks School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences.
UAF is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and educational institution.

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